Christ My Song - 715

With what bright and holy charm - Unconscious helpers
(John S. B. Monsell/Johannes Thomas Rüegg)

Unconscious helpers.

Fifth Sunday after Trinity.

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? (1 Peter 3,13)

1. With what bright and holy charm
Christian life is here endued!
Nought on earth can vex, or harm
followers of the thing that's good. (PDF - Midi)

2. For, tho' from the lot of all
no exemption they can claim,
but disease and death must fall
upon good and bad the same: –

3. still there is a joy, that glows
thro' the Christian's inmost soul,
which the worldling little knows,
and the world can less control: –

4. which, above the cares of life,
lifts him into calm and peace,
keeps him tranquil in the strife
which, he knows, must shortly cease: –

5. shows a meaning, and an end,
in the training of his heart;
draws him nearer to a Friend,
from whom nought but sin can part.

6. Even they, who think they harm
with their poor and spiteful hate,
only work a deeper charm
in the earnest Christian's fate;

7. helpers in Love's wondrous plan,
though unconscious and accursed,
they a holier happier man
leave him, when they've done their worst.

8. Turning his sad eyes within,
showing him God's meaning there,
some unknown unconquered sin,
which affliction has laid bare.

9. Thus all things are for the best,
he by hindrances doth rise;
hides his secret in his breast,
passes upward to the skies.

10. Mystic secret! far more worth
than the sage's charm of old,
turning all the dross of earth
into Sanctuary gold.

John S. B. Monsell, 'Spiritual Songs', 1864, 123-124.